Chief executive officer and managing director Syed Abdul Aziz Syed Kechik said in the last six months the three existing Xpres branches approved about RM48 million in loans including personal and home financing to its customers.

He said the opening of its fourth Xpres branch at the Masjid Jamek LRT station here yesterday and another branch at the Ampang Park LRT station before the middle of the year would enable OCBC Al-Amin to expand.

Syed Aziz told reporters after opening the new branch that Xpres branches are part of a larger strategy to expand the Islamic bank’s reach and provide a convenient touch point closer to where existing and potential customers work and live.

“We have invested approximately RM1 million to set up each branch and they come equipped with auto teller and deposit machines, EPF kiosks and other conveniences,” he added.

Syed Aziz said opening self-service branches for longer hours at places where people normally carry put their everyday activities could better serve the needs of the bank’s growing urban and semi-urban customer base.

OCBC Al-Amin, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OCBC Bank, commenced operations in December 2008 and currently has nine branches, four of which are self-service. — Bernama / BP